Adjust a particle system in the Inspector

Particle emitter parameters and particle cell parameters, though closely related, serve different purposes:

  • Particle emitter parameters control the overall shape and direction of the animated mass of particles. Other emitter parameters simultaneously modify the parameters of all cells inside that emitter. You can adjust emitter parameters in the Emitter Inspector.

  • Particle cell parameters control the behavior of particles after they’re generated by the emitter. You can adjust cell parameters in the Particle Cell Inspector.

Adjust a particle emitter in the Emitter Inspector

  1. Select an emitter object in the Layers list or Timeline.

  2. In the Inspector, click Emitter.

  3. Adjust the Emitter Controls.

    The controls of the Emitter Inspector are dynamic—different parameters appear depending on the number of cells in the particle system, the emitter shape that’s used, and whether the 3D checkbox is selected or deselected.

    For a complete list of these controls, see Emitter controls.

Adjust a particle cell in the Particle Cell Inspector

  1. Select any cell in an emitter in the Layers list or Timeline.

  2. In the Inspector, click Particle Cell (if the pane is not already displayed).

  3. Adjust the Cell Controls.

    For a complete list of these controls, see Particle cell controls